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Houston Texans: A trade for Demaryius Thomas will be a colossal mistake

By Brian K. Patterson

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 15: Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas #88 of the Denver Broncos walks on the field before a game against the New York Giants at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 15, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 15: Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas #88 of the Denver Broncos walks on the field before a game against the New York Giants at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 15, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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As the trade deadline approaches for the Houston Texans, one of the hottest rumors is a swap for Demaryius Thomas. Here’s why it would be huge mistake.

The Houston Texans are likely working hot and heavy toward today’s trade deadline of 3 p.m. CDT and it’ll be interesting to see if they make a move before it’s all said and done.  It’s quite obvious that the Houston Texans need to make a move for a wide receiver with terrible news that Will Fuller is out for the season with a torn ACL in his right knee.

Although I was optimistic, it didn’t look good as Fuller was grimacing in pain while the trainers were tending to him in the end zone in Thursday’s tilt with the Miami Dolphins.  With Keke Coutee, Sammie Coates and Vyncint Smith being the other wideouts on the depth chart, this bunch doesn’t go far enough for this team to be competitive.

That’s why a trade for a wideout now becomes a priority, especially if the Houston Texans want to build off the five-game win streak as well as their leadership in the AFC South.

According to NFL Insider Benjamin Allbright, the Houston Texans are high on Denver Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas:

So there you have it, the Houston Texans are once again trying to one-up on the New England Patriots.  When is Bill O’Brien going to learn that this team is far from the Pats but has its own identity?  Thomas would be a serviceable wide receiver but I don’t think he goes far enough.

Do you still think I’m crazy?

Let’s go over three bullet points as to why the Houston Texans shouldn’t make this move:

  •  He’s an expensive add.  Thomas, 30, has a cap charge of $8 million this season with the pro-rated amount being $4.25 million but if the Houston Texans want to keep him on the squad, he’ll be owed $14 million for 2019.  If they want Thomas, it will be a risky venture if his production is not where the team wants it.  Thomas will become a free agent in 2020.
    •  He’s on the decline. 

    Since 2013, Thomas’ production numbers have been on the decline

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    from a career-high 93 receptions for 1,430 yards — 15.5 yards per catch — and 14 touchdowns to just 36 receptions for 402 yards — 11.2 yards per catch — and three touchdowns.  His targets have tumbled from 142 in 2013 to just 56 at the mid-point of the season.  At the current pace, he’d be on track for the lowest number of targets since the 2011 season where he had 70 of those.  He also hasn’t been in the NFL Top 100 since the 2016 season when he was ranked 62nd.

  •  His drop rates are high.  According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Thomas has dropped six balls out of 44 catchable for a 13.6 percent drop rate which is good for 152nd among active WRs.  His drop grade for PFF is a gaudy 39.6 (158th).

    • I talked about just a few days ago the wide receivers that the Houston Texans need to pursue and the aforementioned is one of the many reasons why he’s not on my list.  You can take a look at it here or click down below as well.

    This team ultimately needs a wide receiver that’s going to take them over the top in terms of production so that they can continue to compete with the best in the AFC.  Will it happen?  We’ll have to see but one thing’s for sure, if they trade for Thomas, they’ll be making a HUGE MISTAKE.

    What do you think?  Feel free sound off in the comments section below.

    Next. Three wide receivers to trade for to replace Will Fuller. dark

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